Stroger, Jackson call for statewide foreclosure moratorium

2 more workshops scheduled for homeowners

October 26, 2008

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger and Rev. Jesse Jackson called Saturday for a statewide moratorium on home foreclosures.

"We know that many homeowners are in crisis because they've been victimized by unregulated and irresponsible lenders," Stroger said in a prepared statement. "We're eager to continue to work with [the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America] to help homeowners negotiate terms that are fair and affordable for as long as that need exists among local residents."

Stroger's office said it is collecting signatures for a petition supporting the moratorium proposal, which Stroger plans to present to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

The county also is promoting workshops offering counseling and mortgage help to homeowners at risk of losing their homes.

Close to 300 people attended Saturday's workshop, Stroger spokesman James Ramos said. Two more are scheduled: Sunday in the Skokie Courthouse, 5600 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie; and Saturday at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 5729 W. Chicago Ave., in Chicago. Both workshops will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This month, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart suspended mortgage-foreclosure evictions because his deputies, who are responsible for evictions, were showing up at properties where tenants had not been informed the residences they were renting were in foreclosure.

Dart announced Oct. 16 he would resume the evictions after a week of discussions with court officials to create language ensuring the rights of good-standing tenants in foreclosed buildings are protected.